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Tips for Hiring a Heating and Cooling Contractor

It is a time of change with the changing seasons, and that means it’s heating and cooling season. Whether you’re looking to have a new unit installed or have an old system repaired, it’s important to find a qualified contractor before making any decisions. 

When it comes to choosing a contractor, homeowners are often left feeling overwhelmed. There are so many different businesses out there that claim to be experienced and reputable, but how can you tell?

Fortunately, there are several things that every homeowner should look for in their potential contractor that can dramatically increase the chance of finding someone they can trust.

Find out how to hire a heating and cooling contractor by following these simple tips:

Get it In Writing!

Be sure to get all agreements in writing from your potential contractor including what services they will perform, what products will be used, cost estimates for both installation and repair services, warranty information on the equipment being installed or serviced as well as a start date for work to begin.

This creates a legal contract between you and the company.

Price Points

An hourly rate may seem like a better deal, but it can be more expensive if not used properly. Ask about the price to install or replace an entire system rather than just specific parts. Get several estimates to compare prices and ensure you are getting the best deal possible for your money.

If you choose components, get at least three quotes for comparison before making any final decisions.

Insist on Licensing

Always check licensing information to make sure your contractor is licensed by your state or local municipality. This way you know they have passed certain tests that prove their knowledge of heating and cooling systems in general, which also permits them to offer services within your area.

A license may not be required by every area so call around to find out if it’s necessary for your area. If they are not licensed, move on to the next company on your list.

Professional Memberships

Professionals tend to stay up to date on changes and advancements in their field through professional associations and trade groups. Ask what affiliations will give you peace of mind that your contractor is complying with new industry standards and procedures for installation and service.

Make sure they belong to any relevant trade organizations that would enhance their credentials such as Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors Association (SMACNA), National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) or North American Technician Excellence (NATE).

Trade groups keep members updated on new training, equipment and service issues that could affect your system.

Be Available

If you are planning to be out of town when installation or repairs are scheduled to take place, don’t book the work until you have spoken with someone in your home who can be there for all appointments. The contractor needs to access any areas they will need to work to carry out their duties properly.

Don’t leave access open by arranging times when no one is at home if you’re not available during business hours. Hiring a heating and cooling contractor can be difficult without research beforehand but it doesn’t have to lead to mistakes if proper steps are taken before signing contracts.

A Thorough Examination of Your Current System

One of the best ways to find out if you need a new heater or air conditioner is by having an expert come to your home and inspect your current one. The technician will then be able to determine if any potential issues could lead to problems down the road and recommend whether or not it’s time for a replacement.

This simple process can save you significant time, energy, and money in the future, so never hire anyone who tries to rush through this step!

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Bone Broth 101: Things You Should Know

Despite its name, bone broth is not just collagen and sodium water in a pot; it has nutritional benefits to offer. Click site for additional readings. 

Why make bone broth at home?

Bone broth contains an abundance of minerals that are easily absorbed due to the long, slow cooking process. Some examples include calcium, magnesium, phosphorous and iron. These elements are important for our bodies to function properly.

Bone broth is also high in gelatin, which has gut-healing properties making it great for anyone with digestive disorders, such as leaky gut syndrome or ulcerative colitis.

Making bone broth at home is also much cheaper than buying it in the store.

How to Make Bone Broth: Instant Pot, Crockpot & Stove

Since bone broth has seen a rise in popularity over the last few years, there are now many different ways to make it.

The most common ways are by using the stove, slow cooker or an Instant Pot.

Instant Pot Method:

To make bone broth in an Instant Pot you will need several hours of cooking time. However, this method is hands-free so there isn’t much work involved. Ingredients you will need: 1 to 2 lbs. of beef knuckle bones, 1 onion, 3 carrots, 3 stalks of celery, garlic if desired, salt to taste.

Place everything into the Instant Pot then add filtered water to cover the bones by at least 1 inch. Turn on the pot and select “Manual” mode. The default time for this is 90 minutes.

When the pot is finished press the “Keep Warm/Cancel” button, wait for the float valve to drop down, then open the lid. If your broth is ready you will see a layer of fat on top with clear or light yellow liquid underneath.

Stove Top Method:

To make bone broth using this method will also take several hours to cook, but there is much more work involved. Ingredients you will need: 3 lbs. meaty bones such as chicken or beef, 1 onion cut in half, 2 carrots coarsely chopped, 2 celery stalks with leaves coarsely chopped, water to cover, salt and pepper to taste.

Place the bones in a large stockpot, fill with water and let sit for 30 minutes. This step is to prevent the bones from sticking to the pan when they are heated. Bring the bones and water (now called broth) to a simmer then skim off any impurities that come to the surface.

Add the onion, carrots, celery salt and pepper. Let simmer for 6 hours. When the broth is ready you will see a layer of fat on top with clear or light yellow liquid underneath.

Slow Cooker Method:

To make bone broth in a slow cooker will take less time, but it requires more work. Ingredients you will need: 3 lbs. meaty bones such as chicken or beef, 1 onion coarsely chopped, 2 carrots coarsely chopped, 2 celery stalks with leaves chopped, water to cover

Place the bones in a large slow cooker and fill with water. Do not turn on the slow cooker as you want to cook this bone broth low and slow. Let it cook for 8 hours.

When the broth is ready you will see a layer of fat on top with clear or light yellow liquid underneath.

What are the best bones to use for making bone broth?

When making bone broth using either of these methods it is important to choose the right type of bones. It’s recommended that you select bones from healthy grass-fed animals, especially when it comes to choosing bones from cows or chickens.

When making bone broth using the stovetop method, choose marrow bones because they hold lots of collagen and gelatine. This will make a thicker broth when finished cooking process.

For this reason, knucklebones are also great choices when making bone broth on the stovetop because these contain plenty of the same gelatin-rich marrow as well, but they come from the joints of animals.

These bones are both ideal choices for those who have sensitive stomachs or those just starting on a bone broth journey. These types of bones will be easier to digest and you can use them as a transitioning tool if needed.

If using knucklebones on the stovetop, place them bone-side down in a large stockpot. Cover with water by 2 inches and cook for 20 to 24 hours. Be sure to skim impurities every few hours while cooking.

For chicken bones, use any leftover carcass from one of your meals or you can also purchase some raw whole bones at your local grocer. Place these in a slow cooker and fill them with water. Cook for 24 hours on a low setting.

Can I use bones from fish to make bone broth?

Several types of bones can be used to make bone broth, including fish bones. Fish is one of the easiest types of meat to digest because of its lower fat content. If making fish broth, use the leftover bones from one of your meals or purchase some raw whole fish, filet them first, then place the bones in a slow cooker with water and cook for 12 to 18 hours on low heat.

Be sure to check periodically while cooking because you don’t want your slow cooker to run out of water.

Add salt and pepper to taste, some people also like to add garlic or onion powder if desired. Strain any large bits out before using the broth in your cooking recipes, including soups or stews.

What are collagen peptides?

Chicken bone broth is high in collagen because it’s made from bones and connective tissue. However, you can increase the collagen content even more by adding collagen peptides as a supplement to your regular broth recipe.

Collagen is a protein that makes up much of the human body’s connective tissues such as skin, bones, ligaments and tendons. It can be found in bone broth recipes as well as other types of collagen supplements that people use for their beauty and health needs.

Collagen is a popular addition to bone broth because it’s packed with amino acids which are important for those who suffer from joint pain, stretch marks or wrinkles.

Adding this supplement to your broth recipe can make the nourishment in the bones much more easily absorbed into your body.

Why use bone broth?

There are a lot of reasons why people choose to use bone broth in their diets. Here are just a few:

Bone broth is full of amino acids that help build muscle tissues and repair damaged ones. It can also help reduce inflammation, calm the digestive system and improve your overall immunity.

Drinking bone broth regularly can also give you healthier hair and skin as well as provide relief from joint pain and arthritis.

What kind of bones can I use?

When making your bone broth at home, you should try to obtain grass-fed beef bones with marrow for an easy-to-digest recipe. If these types of bones aren’t available in your area, you can use any leftover bones from your meals.

Fish is another type of meat that’s good for beginners because you won’t have to cook or cut it up first. However, if fish isn’t an option for you, feel free to use chicken or beef bones instead. Just make sure they are raw and clean before using them to make broth.

How much broth should I drink?

Since bone broth is full of nutrients and minerals, it’s important to drink enough of this healthy beverage so you can get the most benefits.

Drink one cup two to three times per day when using it for pain management or other issues such as joint stiffness. A typical cup holds 8 ounces so divide these measurements into two or three servings per day.

Many people who use bone broth as a beauty enhancer drink it once every other day. You can also add some of this bone broth to your regular diet recipes such as soups and stews for an extra nutrient boost.

How To Install Neon Signs

 

Neon signs are often used for businesses, buildings, and even homes. They can provide an attractive look to your surroundings; however, due to their lighting mechanism, they require a power source that must either be hardwired into the building or come with their battery pack.  

Here are some steps in installing neon signs.

Step 1       

The first step is determining where you want your neon sign to go – it’s best to keep it away from potential sources of heat like vents or fireplaces; additionally, if you place it in front of a window or door you run the risk of having it too bright outside compared to inside.

With this information picked out you should start marking off short sections of wire on all sides so that there are at least four feet each section. After these wires are marked you should strip off about one inch of insulation from the ends and connect them to a power source such as an extension cord.

The reason for using several wires is to prevent overheating; in case one section gets too hot the next one will catch before overheating becomes an issue. After this, simply poke a hole in your wall and run the wire (or use an existing hole if possible) and then use glue and electrical tape to seal all sections together securely.

Step 2

If there aren’t any windows near your location you can skip this step – however, if there are it’s best to look at how much light comes through when you put your hand over it or even close it so that lit up, light doesn’t escape. You can wrap the exposed edges in electrical tape, but if you are placing it over a window make sure it’s at least two feet above your head level to avoid hitting it.

Step 3

After this is done the main difference will be that you’ll need some sort of housing for the neon lights. There are several options for this; some companies sell pre-made signs ready to install while others only provide directions on how to build one yourself with common household items like PVC piping or even cardboard boxes.

Once you have decided upon an appropriate housing structure modify it so that there is room for both the tube and the power source – you should also include many small holes around this area so that heat can escape easily. One of the best ways to do this is to take a piece of cardboard or wood that’s slightly larger than the tube and cut small circles into it.

After these are done drill several tiny holes around the edges of each one to provide an exit for heat – you should use tape or wire to hold your tubes in place. Then glue the neon tube onto the housing structure so that all wires are hidden away.

Step 4

Once everything has been checked twice you should test it by plugging in your power source and flipping on the switch.

If nothing happens there may be something wrong with wiring so try checking both your connections and circuit breakers if available; if you have neon lights installed somewhere else you should also check other locations for faulty wiring as well, many times multiple places can be affected even if they are on separate breaks.

If everything appears to work properly you should use electrical tape or gaffer’s tape to fix it into place and then finish off your neon sign with a final layer or two of paint so that it looks attractive to the eye while also being secure in its housing.

There are many advantages to having a neon sign – for one, they provide bright lighting without using much power (if any at all if battery powered). Additionally, because each section of neon lights is separated by insulation there is little chance of overheating; combined with proper ventilation this can make them quite durable.

They also serve as good lighting sources outdoors when placed above doors or windows – however, due to their high levels of heat they should never be placed near flammable materials.

Step 5

After you have finished assembling your neon sign you will only need to do a few more things before it’s ready for use – the first of which is testing again to make sure that there isn’t any water damage or other potential issues after transporting and installation.

Secondly, you should connect it to the power source and then check all wiring once more just in case something went wrong and was missed on previous inspections. Finally, simply turn on the switch and enjoy your new neon lighting!

Thank you for reading, we hope this article has been helpful!

 

What To Look For In A Plasma Cutter

Plasma is commonly known as the fourth state of matter, which exists only under extreme conditions. The three other states are solid, liquid, and gas. They are also generally classified by their particle density with plasma having an equal number of positive ions and electrons.

Normally plasma exists in lightning storms and stars and it’s typically not found on Earth where we live.

Plasma cutters work by sending a beam of ionized gas towards an object that needs to be cut while simultaneously pulling away the gasses used to create the plasma while inserting a flow of pressurized oxygen or another cutting agent so that once the desired piece has been burnt away from the rest of the material, there is enough concentration to burn through whatever needs to be cut.

In some cases the plasma cutter is used as a cutting method instead of a traditional saw because it can easily make long, straight cuts on metal as well as do more detailed work by burning away only the desired pieces without touching the rest.

However, this technology has been around for many decades and has not yet been perfected yet for all materials being cut. Today there are still many qualities to look out for before buying a plasma cutter that will be able to meet all needs of a buyer or craftsman paid to do projects that require plasma cutting.

Qualities To Look For In A Plasma Cutter:

1) Safety

When it comes down to the safety of you and your workers, probably one of the most important qualities to look for in a plasma cutter is how safe the device actually is.

2) Versatility

Plasma cutters come in a variety of shapes and sizes and there are also many types of gases that can be used to create the plasma beam.

3) Size

The size of the plasma cutter is important because if it is too big, it might not be able to fit into tight spaces or around corners to cut materials.

4) Ease Of Use

A plasma cutter should be easy enough to operate so that anyone who knows how to use a traditional saw can also use a plasma cutter without any trouble.

5) Clean Cuts

A good plasma cutter will always leave clean and precise cuts on the material being cut without any rough edges or jagged lines.

6) Power

The plasma cutter should have enough power to cut through different types of materials without struggling or taking too long to do the job.

7) Durability

A plasma cutter that is built well will be able to withstand a lot of wear and tear without breaking down or becoming damaged.

8) Price

Last but not least, the price of the plasma cutter is always an important consideration for buyers.

9)  Other Features

There are other features that might be important to buyers such as the type of material the plasma cutter is made out of, how noisy it is, or if it has a warranty.

While there are many other qualities that could be looked for in a plasma cutter, these are some of the most important ones that will make sure you are getting what you need in a device that can easily become a life-saving tool in your workshop.

If you are still unsure about what plasma cutter is right for you, be sure to consult with a professional who can help assess your needs and find the best plasma cutter for the job.

Thank you for reading! We hope this article was helpful in informing you about what to look for when purchasing a plasma cutter. happy shopping!

How To Buy A Bone Broth On A Shoestring Budget

Many people think of broth as ‘fancy’ food available only in restaurants or speciality shops. The truth however is that you can buy bones and make broth yourself at home for far less than what most stores charge.

Now, not everyone has the time to make their broth. Or they may want to purchase it readymade from a store or farmer’s market without spending too much money. Read his comment here.

So here are some tips on how to get your hands on a bone broth without breaking the bank:

1) Look In Your Local Area For A Farmer’s Market

Some Farmer’s Markets will sell meat, bones and organ meats separately from regular cuts of meat. It may cost more per pound but if you’re willing to buy the whole animal you may come across some great deals. Just make sure that what you’re buying is coming from healthy, grass-fed (and possibly organic) sources as they will likely yield the best broth for your money.

2) Join A CSA If You Can Stand The Commitment

Community Supported Agriculture is a growing movement among farmers and consumers where members of a local community pool their buying power together to buy fresh produce or meat from a farmer who would otherwise have trouble selling it directly.

This approach ensures that the consumer gets great quality products while the farmer gets fair payment plus guaranteed sales at regular intervals throughout the year without having to do any legwork. In many cases, these CSAs offer members discounts on their first orders and on top of that, you also get to stock up your freezer with organ meats and bones (and even cuts of meat) at a fraction of the retail market price.

3) Look For Bone Broth In Grocery Stores Near You

Lots of large grocery stores now offer bone broth as an alternative to water in their deli sections. Not all places do this so it’s worth checking if they do. Just make sure that what you’re buying is broth and not just stock or ‘bone sauce.’  The cooks at some restaurants may be willing to sell you some bones for cheap, especially since they’d otherwise just throw them away. Just remember that these places rely on volume and forget about getting anything from a small fish restaurant.

4) Make Your Broth At Home

This is the cheapest way to do it but requires a bit of time and effort. Getting bones from your local butcher may be cheaper compared to buying it at the supermarket since you can ask for specific cuts but if you’re not into that hobby then frozen, plain, unseasoned bones are available in most grocery stores for cheap.

Just make sure they’re marked as ‘unseasoned’ or simply ‘bone.’  You also want boneless meat if possible (and this depends on what animal you’re working with). You can add some veggies like potatoes and carrots if you want which will give the broth extra minerals and flavour but it’s not necessary.

    5) Don’t Forget To Look At Other Organic Food Sections

Grocery stores are now expanding their organic food offerings, meaning that you can find great deals on regular meat and bones in the non-organic section. Just stay away from conventional broth if it has any artificial flavours or colours whatsoever since these things do not belong in your body.

6) Do Your Research Before Buying Bone Broth Online

It’s easy to get excited about buying bone broth online but you have to make sure that what you’re getting is real bone broth. Some companies may tell you they sell it while really, all they have are just stock or soup bases which are loaded with other additives. Always check the ingredients before buying anything online so that you won’t waste your money.

    7) Buy In Bulk If You Can Access Great Deals On It

Since bone broth can be frozen, you can buy a lot of it at once and save it for later use. Just make sure to store them properly in separate bags or containers so that you can take out only what you need from the freezer when making your soups and other dishes.

8) Get Creative With Your Bone Broth Recipes

There are so many ways to enjoy bone broth and the sky’s the limit as far as recipes go. You can make a simple soup, use it as a sauce over rice or pasta, or drink it straight up like a tea or coffee substitute (which is great for those who are caffeine-sensitive). Visit your favourite recipe site online and you’ll be surprised at how many dishes call for bone broth as an essential ingredient.

Bone broth is becoming more popular by the day, which is great news because not only is this delicious DIY food project incredibly healthy for you, but it’s also very affordable. If you’re on a shoestring budget, then these are some tips that you can follow to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.

Techniques for House Restumping

Techniques for House Restumping

If your home requires a revamp, but you don’t want to go through the hassle and expense of having it renovated, then restumping may be your answer. Restumping involves replacing the rotten timber posts that hold up the structure of your house. It can extend the life of your home by saving you from more expensive renovations down the track.

1) Removal of the old concrete. 

This not only involves the breaking up of the concrete but also involves removing any stones or rubble which may be left underneath it. Once this has been done, the house must be prepared to accept new concrete (this includes putting in temporary supports around your home to ensure that it remains stable during this time).

The concrete then needs to be poured into each hole and smoothed off before finally allowing it to set. A slab roller can prove very useful here as well; however, if you don’t have access to one you can always use a shovel or broom instead.

2) Make sure you’re on solid ground

If there are areas where water collects or any other signs that there may be damage underneath, get an engineer out to assess the situation first. Some houses aren’t able to have their stumps replaced due to complications with concrete footings or a lack of them in some places. You’ll also need an engineer for council approval.

3) Get the right tools for the job

When restumping your house, make sure you have all the necessary equipment to get the job done. You’ll need ropes or scaffolding support to lower yourself safely down into position. Chances are you don’t know what it’s like to work off a two-metre platform with no guard rails, so until you’re confident in your abilities, use proper safety equipment!

When digging out the old stumps, make sure you have secure footing and that there are no power lines around that could be an electrocution hazard.

4) Keep calm and stay safe

Take extra care during this process – if any other people live at home with you then take turns working on each side of the house. If you’re working by yourself then ask a friend to keep an eye out for any oncoming traffic or you could work in shrubs and bushes that provide more cover.

5) Get it done right

If your old stumps are still good enough, they might be able to be reused. Your restumping company should know whether this is an option, so ask them whether your original posts can be used again before digging them up and throwing them away! Also, make sure you get all of the necessary permits and council approvals before beginning work. It’s best to play it safe than sorry when it comes to construction work involving your home. 

6) Decide what to do with your old posts

If you decide not to reuse the original timber posts for any reason, then they’ll need to be disposed of properly. Don’t just throw them away or dump them on vacant land – it’s against the law. To dispose of them correctly, contact your local council about how best to recycle or dispose of the material.

If you’re looking for information about restumping, check out Restumping Melbourne website. They provide many different services for home renovations including restumping and even offer a 10-year workmanship guarantee! Visit their website today if you want to learn more.

Please note that this article was prepared without the involvement of professional, licensed restumping companies. Advice included in this article is meant as general advice only and should not be relied on.